Legend has it that ancient Grecians assumed certain foods had special qualities. One such legend suggests that oranges and other Citrus warmed the body, and therefore should be eaten in the morning to get the body moving. It is because of this belief that orange juice, grapefruits and other Citrus are such popular breakfast foods/drinks.
The Meyer Lemon is a very popular variety of lemon. It is more compact than the larger C. limon tree, which makes it suitable as a container plant (especially if properly pruned). When fully ripened, the lemon can take on a orange hue. This fruit is a favorite of chefs as it is available year round and is slightly sweeter than other varieties of lemon. Additionally, this tree does not have a heat requirement to properly ripen the fruit.
| Plant Types: | Fruit, Interior Plant, Perennial, Tree |
| Light: | Partial Shade to Full Sun |
| Height: | 10 feet to 12 feet |
| Width: | 8 feet to 10 feet |
| Zones: | 9a to 11b |
| Bloom Color: | Pink, White |
| Bloom Seasons: | Early spring, Mid spring, Late spring |
| Leaf Color: | Green |
| Special Features: | Edible |
| Shape: | Rounded |
| Fertilizer: | Miracle-Gro® Shake 'n Feed® Continuous Release Citrus, Avocado, & Mango Plant Food, Miracle-Gro® Nursery Select Miracid® Water Soluble Plant Food, Chelated Iron |
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Sow seeds in spring. Can also propagate by rooting semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Semi-ripe cuttings are cuttings taken from semi-mature wood.
Lemons are suitable for harvest when the fruits have reached an acceptable size and color. Also, tasting a sample of the fruits is a surefire way to know when to harvest. Meyer Lemons are usually ready to eat approximately 3 to 4 months from bloom to harvest.
Evergreen trees and shrubs. There are many different varieties of citrus, such as, grapefruits, lemons, limes, limequats, mandarin oranges (tangerines), oranges, etc.; however, they all need heat and need to be hardy plants in order to prosper. Citrus can be grown in places where the temperature does not fall below 20°F. Otherwise, grow Citrus in a cool greenhouse with a minimum temperature of 35°F (2°C). During the day, set temperatures between 41-50°F (5-10°C), and at night, keep the temperature at 36°F (2°C).
Produces fragrant white flowers followed by ovoid, yellow or orange fruit. Fruits may take around 1 year to mature. Blooms in spring for winter fruits.
Citrus trees require moist soil, but the soil needs to have fast drainage. Newly planted trees should be watered twice a week while established trees should be watered every other week.
Often times Citrus fruits will start dropping as a result of high heat and low humidity. This is sometimes unavoidable, but is exacerbated by very dry soil. If you have extensive fruit drop (especially in summer), be sure that the soil is moist.
Fertilize mature citrus trees by giving it 1-1 ½ lbs. of actual nitrogen. Do this by using one-third of the fertilizer in late winter, one-third in June, and one-third in August. Be sure to fertilize not only right under the tree but well beyond the tree's branch spread. Afterwards, water the tree deeply.
Remove crossing or wayward shoots, annually, in late winter or early spring, to maintain a healthy framework. May need extensive pruning during winter or early spring if grown indoors.
Citrus is susceptible to aphids, mites, scale insects, and mealybugs.